Devastating war affects childbirth and parenting
The ongoing war in Gaza has turned childbirth and parenthood into a time of worry and fear for many families. Salim and Israa al-Jamala, a young Palestinian couple, have faced numerous challenges in bringing their newborn daughter into the world. Firstly, they had to navigate a perilous journey to reach a maternity ward, dodging missile fire along the way. Now, they find themselves living in a partially tented courtyard of a hospital, unable to properly care for their 3-week-old daughter due to widespread food shortages and a lack of baby formula and medicine.
Health sector close to collapse
The war, triggered by a deadly Hamas assault on southern Israel, has resulted in unimaginable destruction. Health officials in Gaza report that over 18,000 Palestinians have been killed and close to 50,000 wounded in Israel’s offensive. With an estimated 5,500 births expected over the next month, the health sector in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. Two-thirds of the territory’s hospitals are currently out of service, leaving only 12 partially operational facilities. Even in the functioning hospitals, doctors are struggling with a lack of basic medicines and equipment needed to treat newborns.
Limited electricity and fuel supply
The severe shortage of fuel is also a major concern for hospitals in Gaza, as they have relied solely on generators since the war began and Israel cut off the territory’s electricity supply. Electricity is sporadic, with hospitals experiencing power cuts that last for only a few minutes at a time. This further hampers the ability of healthcare providers to properly care for newborns and their mothers.
A couple’s harrowing journey
Salim and Israa’s journey began in mid-October when they heeded the Israeli military’s warnings to residents of northern Gaza to evacuate to the southern half of the territory. The couple, along with their 5-year-old son, fled their home in Gaza City and headed south on foot. They eventually found shelter at Al-Aqsa Hospital, where Israa gave birth in a nearby functioning maternity ward. However, the family was forced to leave shortly after the birth to make room for others.
Living in dire conditions
With little to eat and limited resources, Salim and Israa struggle to provide for their newborn daughter. They have resorted to eating onions on some days and rely on their neighbors’ fires to stay warm, even if it means inhaling toxic fumes from burning plastic. The baby’s health has deteriorated, with a persistent cough causing concern for her father.
Uncertain future
The ongoing war and the deteriorating conditions in Gaza leave families like Salim and Israa’s uncertain about the future. Salim fears for his daughter’s life, unsure of what tomorrow may bring.
